Health Strategies & Solutions was founded in 1997, and DGA Partners in 1994. Each brought their own expertise to the table, in ways that complemented each other.
DGA had found its stride in the realm of valuation and physician compensation, as well as development and implementation of strategic projects such as clinical integration, bundled payment programs, and mergers and acquisitions. Health Strategies & Solutions had a nationally recognized strategic planning practice.
Additionally, both firms were headquartered in Philadelphia, and the firms’ leaders had known each other for years.
“It just seemed to make sense to bring the firms together,” says Dayana Habib Rapoport, director of marketing and communications for Veralon, the combined company.
The merger took place in January 2015, and Veralon has been operating under its new name since last August.
According to the company website, the name has its roots in vera, referring to truth and commitment, tenets of the way both firms have practiced since their founding.
Dan Grauman, Veralon’s managing partner, notes that “As one firm, we are even better positioned to help clients develop clarity of direction and strategy, and execute successfully on strategy and tactics, through services in planning, mergers and transactions, valuation, clinical transformation and value-based payment.”
Today, the merged company has completed nearly 5,000 healthcare consulting engagements for more than 1,100 clients, including health systems, community hospitals, teaching hospitals and academic medical centers.
The merger also positioned Veralon for further expansion.
The firm recently opened an office in Los Angeles, to strengthen its presence in the Western and Pacific markets, according to Mr. Grauman. The company also has offices in Philadelphia, New York and Chicago and plans to soon open an office in Atlanta.
“We’ve always served clients across the country, but we do believe it’s important to have geographic presence. The new offices will to make it easier for us to serve our clients, and for them to see us and know we’re dedicated to a particular market. They also fit our vision for the way that we want our organization to be run and for keeping our consultants’ lifestyle manageable,” Ms. Rapoport says.
Veralon currently has about 50 staff members and is recruiting for its new offices.
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